A wood deck pergola stands over the top of the stairs on this deck, framing the way in and adding a bit of shade. The beams are cut with shaped ends, giving the pergola a classic look.

Railings with black balusters run along the deck and down the stairs, and the posts of the pergola are built right into the railing. The warm wood stands out against the trees and the siding.

A deck pergola is a simple way to add height and character to a deck. It can hold climbing plants or string lights, and it makes the deck feel like its own outdoor room. We designed and built it at Palmer’s Woodworking in Fergus.

Under the pergola, the top of the stairs feels like a doorway into the deck, and the shade from the beams makes it a nice spot to stop on a hot day. The black post caps on the railing add a finishing touch.

See the lit steps and lattice screen for another part of this project. Browse our custom deck builds for more.